Wild Strides 5K
- Date Tue 20th April 2027
- Time 6:00PM EDT
- Location Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Price $16.90 - $43.40
- Races 4 races
- Distances 5km
Event summary
Get ready for a fantastic celebration of nature and community at the Wild Strides 5K and Kids Half Mile on Tuesday, April 20, 2027, at the John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, Kent! This exciting event is a perfect way to kick off Earth Day, offering both a thrilling 5K race and a fun-filled Kids Half Mile. The Wild Strides 5K will take you on a scenic journey through the beautiful Kent Trail, culminating with a finish inside the Zoo, where participants can soak in the sights and sounds of wildlife. Every 5K runner will receive a stylish race T-shirt, a finisher medal, and a ticket to the enchanting Grand Rapids Lantern Festival.
For our youngest participants, the Kids Half Mile offers an energetic and memorable experience, as kids race through the Zoo, celebrating their achievements with a race T-shirt and finisher medal. The event goes beyond racing, with a vibrant Race Day Village featuring activities for the whole family, including a bounce house, face painting, food trucks, and opportunities to learn about wildlife conservation. There’s something for everyone at Wild Strides – whether you’re running, cheering, or simply enjoying the festivities, join us for an unforgettable evening at John Ball Zoo!
For our youngest participants, the Kids Half Mile offers an energetic and memorable experience, as kids race through the Zoo, celebrating their achievements with a race T-shirt and finisher medal. The event goes beyond racing, with a vibrant Race Day Village featuring activities for the whole family, including a bounce house, face painting, food trucks, and opportunities to learn about wildlife conservation. There’s something for everyone at Wild Strides – whether you’re running, cheering, or simply enjoying the festivities, join us for an unforgettable evening at John Ball Zoo!
Organiser's Description
Celebrate Earth Day with John Ball Zoo at the WILD STRIDES 5K & KIDS HALF MILE, an evening of movement, family fun, and wildlife!
The WILD STRIDES 5K starts at John Ball Zoo, winds through the scenic Kent Trail, and finishes inside the Zoo. Runners and walkers will experience a unique course surrounded by nature and the sights and sounds of the Zoo. All 5K participants receive an official race T-shirt, finisher medal, and a ticket to the Grand Rapids Lantern Festival.
Our KIDS HALF MILE is a fun, energetic race designed especially for young runners, with the entire course taking place inside John Ball Zoo! Kids will race through the Zoo for a one-of-a-kind experience before crossing the finish line and celebrating their accomplishment. All Kids Half Mile participants receive a race T-shirt and finisher medal.
But Wild Strides is more than just a race! The RACE DAY VILLAGE will be the place to kick off the celebration and stick around after the finish. Families can enjoy a variety of activities, including a bounce house, face painting, a DJ, food trucks and local booths, ambassador animals, and opportunities to learn more about the Zoo and the wildlife we work to protect. There will be plenty to see, do, and enjoy for the whole family.
Whether you're racing the 5K, cheering on a young runner, or simply joining us for the celebration, Wild Strides is a fun way to get moving, connect with your community, and kick off Earth Day at the Zoo.
COME RUN WILD, CELEBRATE EARTH DAY, AND MAKE AN EVENING OF IT AT JOHN BALL ZOO!
EVENT DETAILS
DATE: Tuesday, April 20, 2027
LOCATION: John Ball Zoo: 1300 Fulton Street West, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
SCHEDULE:
* Packet Pickup & Pre Race Festivities - 5:00 PM
* Kids Half Mile - 6:00 PM
* 5K Race - 7:00 PM
* 5K Fun Run/Walk - 7:10 PM
PARKING: All participants should park in the John Ball Zoo parking lots
* Parking is free for all participants and spectators.
* When you arrive, you may need to take a ticket at the gate, but no payment or validation is required.
* Exit gates will open automatically on race night.
* Please follow directional signage and staff guidance
* We recommend arriving early to allow time for parking & check-in
The WILD STRIDES 5K starts at John Ball Zoo, winds through the scenic Kent Trail, and finishes inside the Zoo. Runners and walkers will experience a unique course surrounded by nature and the sights and sounds of the Zoo. All 5K participants receive an official race T-shirt, finisher medal, and a ticket to the Grand Rapids Lantern Festival.
Our KIDS HALF MILE is a fun, energetic race designed especially for young runners, with the entire course taking place inside John Ball Zoo! Kids will race through the Zoo for a one-of-a-kind experience before crossing the finish line and celebrating their accomplishment. All Kids Half Mile participants receive a race T-shirt and finisher medal.
But Wild Strides is more than just a race! The RACE DAY VILLAGE will be the place to kick off the celebration and stick around after the finish. Families can enjoy a variety of activities, including a bounce house, face painting, a DJ, food trucks and local booths, ambassador animals, and opportunities to learn more about the Zoo and the wildlife we work to protect. There will be plenty to see, do, and enjoy for the whole family.
Whether you're racing the 5K, cheering on a young runner, or simply joining us for the celebration, Wild Strides is a fun way to get moving, connect with your community, and kick off Earth Day at the Zoo.
COME RUN WILD, CELEBRATE EARTH DAY, AND MAKE AN EVENING OF IT AT JOHN BALL ZOO!
EVENT DETAILS
DATE: Tuesday, April 20, 2027
LOCATION: John Ball Zoo: 1300 Fulton Street West, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
SCHEDULE:
* Packet Pickup & Pre Race Festivities - 5:00 PM
* Kids Half Mile - 6:00 PM
* 5K Race - 7:00 PM
* 5K Fun Run/Walk - 7:10 PM
PARKING: All participants should park in the John Ball Zoo parking lots
* Parking is free for all participants and spectators.
* When you arrive, you may need to take a ticket at the gate, but no payment or validation is required.
* Exit gates will open automatically on race night.
* Please follow directional signage and staff guidance
* We recommend arriving early to allow time for parking & check-in
Races
-
5K Run
Incl. $3.40 Fee & T-Shirt
Tue 20th April 2027 (7:00PM EDT)
$43.40
OPENS 01 FEB 275K participants will receive a race t-shirt, finishers medal, and ticket to attend the 2027 Grand Rapids Lantern Festival. -
5K Fun Run/Walk
Incl. $3.40 Fee & T-Shirt
Tue 20th April 2027 (7:10PM EDT)
$43.40
OPENS 01 FEB 275K participants will receive a race t-shirt, finishers medal, and ticket to attend the 2027 Grand Rapids Lantern Festival. -
Wolverine Worldwide Kids Half Mile
Incl. $1.90 Fee & T-Shirt
Tue 20th April 2027 (6:00PM EDT)
$16.90
OPENS 01 FEB 27Child participants will receive a race t-shirt and finishers medal. If needed, one adult is welcome to participate in the half mile to assist their child(ren). -
Virtual Participation
Incl. $3.40 Fee & T-Shirt
$43.40
OPENS 01 FEB 27Virtual 5K participants will receive a race t-shirt, finishers medal, and ticket to attend the 2027 Grand Rapids Lantern Festival. The items will be mailed to you upon your request - please contact wildstrides@jbzoo.org to coordinate.
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1300 Fulton St. W, Grand Rapids, 49504, MI, United States
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Wild Strides 5K
